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Waver and waiver may sound the same but differ in meaning and spelling. Waver is a verb that means to become weaker, to hesitate, or to move gently in different directions.
Meanwhile, waiver (the one with the letter “i”) is a noun that has two meanings: (1) an official written statement saying that a right or legal process can be waived or ignored and (2) an act of waiving or giving up a right or claim. Moreover, this act is voluntary and can apply to various legal situations. Basically, a waiver removes a real or potential liability for the other party in the agreement.
When to Use Waver
We use waver as a verb to mean several things: (1) to move gently in several different directions, (2) to become weaker or less certain, or (3) to hesitate.
Waver as a Verb
To move gently in different directions
The candle flame wavered when a strong wind passed.
In the movie Harry Potter, Harry’s broomstick wavered at the beginning. Through his exceptional magical ability, he learned to use it.
The little kid blew her candle on her birthday cake, making the candle flame waver.
To become weaker or less certain
Even though Nana and Bjork are in a long-distance relationship, their love doesn’t waver.
Because she was uncertain, her voice suddenly wavered.
The students were determined not to waver from their goals.
To hesitate between two possibilities
Patrick wavered between believing her and thinking that she was lying.
As the leader peeked through the window, his team wavered between doing more work and having a day off.
She wavers between resentment and guilt.
When to Use Waiver
We use waiver as a noun in two ways: (1) an official written statement of giving up a right or legal process and (2) the act of giving up a claim or right. This act is voluntary and can be used in legal situations. When we sign a waiver, we’re voluntarily giving up a privilege or legal right.
Waiver as a Noun
A written statement saying that a legal right can be ignored
Students are asked to sign their parents a waiver during the field trip.
Michaela signed an insurance waiver before surgery.
Whenever we go on a school trip, our school lets our parents sign a waiver expressing that the school is not responsible if we get hurt on the trip.
The act of giving up a right or claim
The lawyer pushed a criminal defendant’s waiver of a jury trial.
She needed a waiver during a difficult time.
A waiver is needed before doing a medical procedure.
Waver vs. Waiver: Is There a Difference?
There is a difference between waver and waiver, not just in spelling but also in meaning. Waver is used as a verb, while waiver (the one with the letter “i”) is used as a noun. Remember, waiver (noun) is the one referring to a document or written statement (as in “waived”) saying that someone gives up a right or claim, while waver is the one that talks about indecision, weakness, and unsteady movements.
References:
Cambridge Dictionary. (n.d.) Waver. In https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/ dictionary. Retrieved from https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/waver
Cambridge Dictionary. (n.d.) Waiver. In https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/ dictionary. Retrieved from https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/waiver
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English Online. (n.d.).Waver. In https://www.ldoceonline.com/ dictionary. Retrieved from https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/waver
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English Online. (n.d.).Waiver. In https://www.ldoceonline.com/ dictionary. Retrieved from https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/waiver
Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Waver. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/waver
Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Waiver. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/waiver
